Condensate removal apparatus for sampling

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods are described herein for an auxiliary heat exchange system for use in scientific sampling. In one aspect, a heat exchange system may include at least one first conduit housed in an external casing, that is removably attachable to a heat/cooling system of a vehicle. Another conduit, such as a tracer tube, may be positioned proximate to the first conduit and housed in the external casing for at least a partial length of the first conduit. The tracer conduit may include a first end that is removably attachable to a gas collection device and a second end removably attachable to a measuring device. The first conduit may be configured to carry heated liquid from the heating/cooling system of the vehicle to maintain at least a threshold temperature of gas samples in the tracer conduit to prevent or reduce the formation of condensates in the tracer conduit.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/437,917 filed Dec. 22, 2016; whichapplication and contents thereof is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to scientific measuring platforms anddevices, and more specifically to systems and devices for removingcondensate from collected samples.

BACKGROUND

Prior approaches to air sampling have been plagued with non-constanttemperatures or cold spots in the transport line or tracer tube thatdelivers samples to measuring equipment, thus leading to condensation.The longer the transport line or tracer tube, the more chance forcondensate formation. Condensation may contaminate the interior of thetracer tube, which can cause artificially elevated background signals(or other inaccuracies) in the scientific equipment. These condensatesmust then be “baked out” of the sampling system, in order to obtainvalid measurements, causing equipment and measurement downtime.Moreover, when condensates traveling in the tracer tube reach thescientific measuring equipment (such as a mass spectrometer), expensivedecontamination, tracer tube replacement, and long equipment down timescan result. As a result, improvements can be made to air and gastransport systems, used for scientific measurement and analysis.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to systems, devices, and methods fora mobile scientific or measuring platform. In one aspect, a mobilescientific platform may include a vehicle having an electric energysource and a measuring device, such as a mass spectrometer, coupled tothe electric energy source. An input line may be coupled to themeasuring device and one or more sample collectors, for example, forobtaining gas samples. In some aspects, the input line may include aheating element configured to maintain a line temperature that is equalto or above the temperature of the samples collected, to reduce orprevent the formation of condensates in collected samples. In someaspects, the mobile scientific platform may run, or be switched to run,on electric, propone, compressed natural gas, or other similar fuel toenable the collection of gas samples free of (or having reduced levelsof) vehicle caused contamination.

In some aspects, the vehicle may include a propulsion source, such as acombustion engine. The propulsion source can be operated using at leastone of gas or diesel fuel or other similar fuel. In some cases, thepropulsion source can be switched to operate using at least one ofpropane, compressed natural gas, electric, or other reduced emissionsfuel or energy source. This may be particularly useful when the mobilescientific platform is used to obtain gas samples while moving, to avoidcontaminating the gas samples obtained. In some examples, the platformmay include a switch operable to switch the source of fuel of thepropulsion source from gasoline or diesel to propane or compressednatural gas or electric based on whether the measuring device isreceiving a sample from the input line.

In some aspects, the propulsion source of the vehicle may include acooling system. In this scenario, the input line may be coupled (e.g.,removably coupled) to the cooling system. The input line may include asample tube and the heating element may include two heating tubes eachadjacent to the sample tube. The two heating tubes may be removablycoupled to the cooling system to carry heated coolant from theheating/cooling system, to maintain a threshold temperature of thesamples in the sample tube.

In some examples, the mobile platform may include a trailer removablycoupled to the vehicle, wherein the trailer houses at least a part ofthe electric power source. In some cases, the vehicle may include apropulsion source, which may be switchable between operating on gas ordiesel fuel to propane, compressed natural gas, electric, or otherreduced-emissions sources. In this scenario, the trailer may house thepropane or compressed natural gas or another alternative fuel. In someexamples, the electric power source may include an array of batteriesconfigured to provide continuous operational power to the measuringdevice for at least twelve hours.

Some aspects may include a method of collecting air samples formeasurement utilizing a mobile platform. The method may includedetecting that a measuring device removably attached to a mobileplatform is active. Based on the detecting, propulsion source of thevehicle may be switched to one of propane, compressed natural gas, orelectric. The method may further include obtaining an air sample using asample collector that is coupled to the measuring device, and analyzingthe sample and generating a notification based on the analyzing. Byswitching (or alternatively only running on) alternative fuels, samplesfor measurement may be obtained without contaminates caused by emissionsoriginating from the vehicle.

In some cases, the obtaining the air samples may further includeobtaining the air sample via a supply line that is coupled to themeasuring device. In some cases, obtaining the air sample may includemaintaining a minimum temperature of the air sample in the supply lineusing liquid coolant obtained from a cooling system of the propulsionsource of the vehicle. In some aspects, the liquid coolant may runadjacent to an air sample tube of the supply line. In some examples,obtaining the air sample may include obtaining the air sample with avapor collector, wherein the vapor collector includes a first and secondhollow tube each having perforations, and wherein the first tube ispositioned at least partially inside the second tube such that theperforations of the first and second hollow tubes do not overlap.

In another aspect, a portable scientific platform may include a mobilevehicle, a sampling device coupled to the mobile vehicle for taking agas sample. The platform may additionally include a de-condensationdevice for removing condensation from the gas sample and outputting aprocessed sample. The platform may also include an analysis device foranalyzing the processed sample.

In some aspects, the mobile vehicle includes a propulsion source, whichdoes not contaminate the gas sample(s), for example, when the propulsionsource is active. In some cases, the mobile vehicle is switchable fromoperating on a contaminating propulsion source to a non-contaminatingpropulsion source, to enable taking a contaminant-free gas sample whilethe vehicle is moving.

In some cases, the sample device includes a two layered filteringdevice, with each layer have perforations that do not overlap. In someaspects, the two layers each form a tube that is closed at a common end.In yet some cases, the de-condensation device concludes a supply linethat is heated to at or above an ambient temperature of the gas sampletaken, for example, to prevent or reduce contamination of the samples bycondensates. In some cases, the heating element includes two linesadjacent to a sample line, wherein the two lines carry heated coolantfrom a heating/cooling system of the vehicle.

Systems, devices, and methods are also described herein for an auxiliaryheat exchange system for use in scientific sampling. In one aspect, aheat exchange system may include at least one first conduit or processtube housed in an external casing, that is removably attachable to aheat/cooling system of a vehicle. Another conduit, such as a tracertube, may be positioned proximate to the first conduit and housed in theexternal casing for at least a partial length of the first conduit. Thetracer conduit may include a first end that is removably attachable to agas collection device and a second end removably attachable to ameasuring device. The first conduit may be configured to carry heatedliquid from the heating/cooling system of the vehicle to maintain atleast a threshold temperature of gas samples in the tracer conduit toprevent or reduce the formation of condensates in the tracer conduit.

In some cases, the heat exchange system may include two conduits orprocess tubes each positioned parallel to the tracer conduit in theexternal casing. In some cases, the first conduit and the second conduitmay be in direct contact with the tracer conduit. In some examples thefirst conduit, the second conduit, and/or the tracer conduit may be madeof PFA, PEEK, or PTFE. In some examples, the first conduit, the secondconduit, and/or the tracer conduit may be incased in water solublechloride in absorption-resistant fibrous glass insulation. The externalcasing may include a non-halogenated thermoplastic urethane that coversthe absorption-resistant fibrous glass insulation.

In some aspects, the first conduit, and in some cases the secondconduit, forms an axillary loop with a heating circuit of theheating/cooling system of the vehicle. In one example, the firstconduit, and in some cases the second conduit, may be removablyattachable to an inlet heating hose providing liquid to a heater core ofthe vehicle and an outlet heating hose providing liquid back to theheating/cooling system of the vehicle. In another example, the firstconduit, and in some cases the second conduit, may be removablyattachable to radiator hose of the heating/cooling system and to acoolant expansion tank of the heating/cooling system of the vehicle. Insome cases, the auxiliary heat exchange system may include an auxiliarypump coupled to the at least one first conduit, wherein the pump isconfigured to move liquid through an extended length of the firstconduit.

In some aspects, the gas collection device may include a two layeredfiltering device, wherein the two layers each have perforations that donot overlap. In some cases, the two layers each form a tube that isclosed at a common end.

In some aspects, the threshold temperature may be set to greater than anambient temperature of the gas samples. In some aspects, the vehicleincludes a mobile scientific platform.

Systems, devices, and methods are also described herein for a vapor orgas sampling device. In one aspect, the described collector may includean outer vapor collector or outer tube having first and second ends,with the hollow tube forming a plurality of perforations proximate tothe first end. In some examples, the perforations may prevent thepassing of detritus or environmental contaminants through theperforations. The collector may also include an inner vapor collector orinner tube having a first end and a second end, with the hollow tubeforming a plurality of perforations proximate to the second end, whichis opposite the first end of the outer tube. The inner tube may bepositioned or affixed at least partially inside of the outer tube. Theperforations on the inner tube may be located towards the second endwhen relative to the perforations on the outer tube, such that theperforations of the two tubes do not overlap. In other cases, the innertube and the outer tube may positioned relative to each other such thatthe perforations of each tube partially or fully overlap.

In some aspects, the outer vapor collector forms a saddle having anoutside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the outervapor collector. In some cases, the outer vapor collector has a lengthselected based on an intended insertion length. In yet some cases, outervapor collector has a length extending from the saddle selected based onan intended insertion length.

In some aspects, the sampling device may also include a hollowcollection tube connector coupled to at least one of the outer vaporcollector or the inner vapor collector proximate to the first end of theouter vapor collector or the inner vapor collector. In some cases, thehollow collection tube connector has an outside diameter selected toaccommodate a vacuum collection tube to be attached to a measuringdevice.

In some examples, the perforations of the outer vapor collector have atleast one of various sizes or shapes. In some cases, at least one of thesize or the shape of the perforations of the outer vapor collector maybe selected based on an intended use of the device. In some cases, theperforations of the inner vapor collector are smaller in size relativeto the perforations of the outer vapor collector.

In some cases, the outer vapor collector may be designed to form ahandle. In some examples, the outer vapor collector and the inner vaporcollector may be made of a least one of: PFA, PEEK, PTFE, or passivatedstainless steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present disclosure aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a mobile scientific platformimplemented in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a mobile scientific platformimplemented in a vehicle and trailer;

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate examples of a mobile scientific platformimplemented in a trailer or other container;

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various example processes that may be performed byor in conjunction with a mobile scientific platform, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example supply line that may be implemented aspart of an auxiliary heat exchange system;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example cooling/heating system of a combustionengine to which an auxiliary heat exchange system may be coupled;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate aspects of an example auxiliary heat exchangesystem;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate example auxiliary heat exchange systems thatcan be coupled to one or more sample or vapor collectors;

FIG. 14 illustrates another example cooling/heating system of acombustion engine to which an auxiliary heat exchange system may becoupled;

FIG. 15 illustrates another example auxiliary heat exchange system thatcan be coupled to one or more sample or vapor collectors;

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate perspective views of an example sample or vaporcollector, which may be used in conjunction with a mobile scientificplatform and/or an auxiliary heat exchange system;

FIG. 19 illustrates one example implementation of the sample or vaporcollector of FIGS. 16-18; and

FIGS. 20-25 illustrate example sampling results obtained using thesample or vapor collector of FIGS. 16-18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes one or more embodiments of a mobilescientific platform, an auxiliary heat exchange system, and a vapor orsample collector, all of which may be used independently or combined invarious different ways to address one or more of the problems with priorsystems. It is to be understood that the use of absolute terms, such as“must,” “will,” and the like, as well as specific quantities, is to beconstrued as being applicable to one or more of such embodiments, butnot necessarily to all such embodiments. As such, embodiments of thedescribed systems, devices, and methods may omit, or include amodification of, one or more features or functionalities described inthe context of such absolute terms.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be operational with numerousgeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the inventioninclude, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers,hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers,distributed computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices, and the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules,being executed by a computer and/or by computer-readable media on whichsuch instructions or modules can be stored. Generally, program modulesinclude routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc.,that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. The present disclosure may also be practiced in distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include or be implemented in avariety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a computer and includes bothvolatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Byway of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprisecomputer storage media and communication media. Computer storage mediainclude volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digitalversatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium which can be used to store the desired informationand which can accessed by computer. Communication media typicallyembodies computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier waveor other transport mechanism and includes any information deliverymedia. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one ormore of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

According to one or more embodiments, the combination of software orcomputer-executable instructions with a computer-readable medium resultsin the creation of a machine or apparatus. Similarly, the execution ofsoftware or computer-executable instructions by a processing deviceresults in the creation of a machine or apparatus, which may bedistinguishable from the processing device, itself, according to anembodiment.

Correspondingly, it is to be understood that a computer-readable mediumis transformed by storing software or computer-executable instructionsthereon. Likewise, a processing device is transformed in the course ofexecuting software or computer-executable instructions. Additionally, itis to be understood that a first set of data input to a processingdevice during, or otherwise in association with, the execution ofsoftware or computer-executable instructions by the processing device istransformed into a second set of data as a consequence of suchexecution. This second data set may subsequently be stored, displayed,consequence of, or otherwise involve, the physical alteration ofportions of a computer-readable medium. Such transformation, alluded toin each of the above examples, may also be a consequence of, orotherwise involve, the physical alteration of, for example, the statesof registers and/or counters associated with a processing device duringexecution of software or computer-executable instructions by theprocessing device.

As used herein, a process that is performed “automatically” may meanthat the process is performed as a result of machine-executedinstructions and does not, other than the establishment of userpreferences, require manual effort.

Mobile Scientific Platform

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, various implementations of a mobile scientificplatform (which may be referred to either as “SciArk” or “SciLab”) isillustrated. SciArk refers to a mobile scientific platform implementedin a vehicle, while SciLab refers to a mobile scientific platformimplemented in a trailer, vehicle, or container that does not include ameans of propulsion. In some aspects, the described mobile scientificplatform may include systems and/or devices, which perform processes ormethods, for measuring atomic elements and volatile organic (andinorganic) chemicals (VOCs) in air, liquids, and solids. In one specificexample, the described mobile scientific platform may be analternate-fuel, EPA Certified, field deployable, zero emissions, solarand wind assisted mobile scientific platform for measuring atomicelements and volatile organic (and inorganic) chemicals in air, liquids,and solids.

The described mobile scientific platform has applications in variousareas, including for example the general fields of medical,pharmaceutical, environmental, energy, aerospace, drug enforcement,automotive, explosive detection, geological, mining/mineral/gas/oilexploration, forensic, agricultural, scientific, research, andveterinary applications.

Commercial applications for the described mobile scientific or measuringplatform include, but are not limited to a mobile scientific platformfor: environmental testing, radiological monitoring, mobile medicallaboratories, rapid medical screening for viral, bacterial, and prioninfections in plants, animals, and humans, heavy metal exposures inhumans, human trafficking deterrence, fragrance and food industry,physiological health determinations, metabolic disorders, cancerdetection, drug detection and efficacy studies, analytic lab procedures,soil contamination, geological surveys, atmospheric testing, soilmeasurements, environmental air sampling, air quality measuring, andexplosives identification. Uses further include research facilities,mobile laboratories, doctor's offices, hospitals, veterinary clinics,outpatient facilities, surgical centers, blood banks, clinicallaboratories, medical and veterinary schools, public health departments,morgues, as well as for agencies, such as, for example, WHO, EPA, NOAA,NASA, CDC, and NIH, FEMA, TSA, NTSB, DoD, FBI, ICE, DOJ, SWAT Teams,Bomb Squads, CIA, NSA, DHS, DEA, Fire and Police Departments, andstate/local environmental/public health agencies. Suitable uses includewherever and whenever an uncontaminated source of uncondensed air (byremoving condensation using, for example the AHE and AMVC devices, whichare discussed below) is required for testing, monitoring, diagnosis,analysis, or evaluation of volatile organic (or inorganic) chemicals andatomic species in air, liquids, or solids.

The described mobile scientific platform enables analytic laboratoriesand scientific research to be mobile, field deployable, and portable,using integrated power systems in providing minimal to no environmentalpollution, such as by utilizing alternative fuel options. The use ofalternative fuel options may help to ensure robust, repeatable, andverifiable measuring samples without environmental contamination orextraneous data collection of VOCs or inorganics. In addition, thedescribed mobile scientific platform may permit extended operating timesfor significant periods of time (such as days, for example), unattendedby personnel.

Previous platforms have been piecemeal, “Frankenstein” units with nointegration of redundant power systems, let alone alternative fueloptions, or uncontaminated air samples. These previous platforms havebeen plagued by condensates in unheated sampling lines, not onlycompromising the data collected, but polluting the sampling line, and byintroducing condensates in to the mass spectrometer or other scientificequipment used. For these reasons, an Auxiliary Heat Exchanger (AHE), asdescribed more fully below, when used, for example with the describedmobile scientific platform, may overcomes one or more of these issues.Additionally, previous mobile scientific platforms have usedconventional fossil fuels, like gasoline and diesel, which further anddramatically complicates data collection and analysis. Combustionproducts from burning these fossil fuels in proximity to and collectedin the sampling line and other scientific equipment contaminate the datacollected. In addition, previous platforms have required constantoperation, sample collection, and data interpretations by scientistswith PhDs, on site. The described mobile scientific platform may, insome cases, additionally address one or more of these issues with priorsystems, by utilizing alternative fuels and/or utilize longer term powerstorage for longer unattended use.

As noted, in some aspects, the described mobile scientific platform isan alternative-fuel vehicle. The platform, in one aspect, can beintegrated into a vehicle that runs on gasoline. In some cases, thevehicle can be modified to that it can also run on propane or compressednatural gas (CNG), or other source. In one example, the described mobilescientific platform can be manually switched in the driver's compartmentto run on different fuels. Gasoline is the “dirtiest” of fuels,producing hundreds of combustion by-products, but it has the highestenergy content per unit of fuel. Diesel is less “dirty,” but it producesblack particulates, which can clog and pollute air sampling devices. Ittoo has a high-energy content per unit of fuel, but less so thangasoline. Propane is much cleaner and produces very few particulates.Its energy content per unit of fuel is less than diesel or gasoline. CNGis the cleanest of the fossil fuels, producing the least particulates,but its energy content per unit volume is the least of all the fossilfuels. In some examples, one or more detectors may be implemented todetect when, for example, measuring equipment is activated or poweredon, and/or when samples are being collected. Upon such detection, thevehicle may be automatically switched or converted from operating ongasoline, diesel, or other “dirty” fuel, to a cleaner energy source,such as propane, CNG, or other sources.

In another aspect, the mobile scientific platform can be integrated intoan electric vehicle. For example, an all-electric vehicle with aduplicate set of batteries to run the scientific equipment in thevehicle could be used. In this instance, the auxiliary batteries couldbe charged using brake energy, alternator, solar panels, and windturbines.

The described mobile scientific platform preferably runs on gasoline,propane, CNG, or electric. The described mobile scientific platform may,in some cases, be a zero emissions platform.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a mobile scientific platform 100,integrated into a vehicle 102. It should be appreciated that vehicle 102may take any of a variety of forms, including a utility vehicle, truck(standard pick-up truck, flatbed truck, or commercial trucks, such assemi-trucks, etc.), van (such as a Ford Transit or other similar van),car, etc., and have any of a variety of features described herein. Asdescribed above, vehicle 102 may utilize any of a number of propulsionmechanisms, such as running on gasoline, propane, CNG, or electric, or acombination thereof.

In some cases, platform 100 can be connected to traditional shore power(120 or 240 volts, for example), through male receptacles or plugs 104(e.g., 2 120V/30A receptacles) located on the side of the vehicle, toprovide the energy requirements of the scientific equipment inside thevehicle 102. Preferably, the shore power is routed to a UL approvedindustrial control panel 106 with breakers for circuit protection. Oneor more robust pure sine wave inverters 108, 110 may be connected to thecontrol panel 106. Scientific equipment 112, like mass spectrometers andgas chromatographic equipment (or any other measuring equipment, forexample, that may require 120V/20A power) , may be plugged-in to thesine wave inverters 108, 110, either internal to the vehicle 102 oroutside the vehicle 102. Pure sine wave power is preferable to preventdamage to sensitive scientific instrumentation and micro-circuitry. Inaddition, as an alternative source of power, batteries 114, such as, forexample, pure lead AGM deep cycle 12 volt batteries are arranged inseries (or an array of 6 volt batteries connected in series andparallel, or a configuration of 24 volt and 48 volt batteries can alsobe used) and connected to the sine wave inverters 108, 110, thusproviding constant power for the scientific equipment 112 when shorepower is unavailable. In some aspects 10 more AGM batteries may be used.Additionally or alternatively, the use of various types of batteries canbe substituted for the AGM batteries 114, like lithium-ion batteries, anickel-manganese-cobalt oxide cathode grid battery (called an NMCbattery), or nickel-cobalt-aluminum batteries, or nickel cadmiumbatteries, or any batteries with enhanced performance through theintroduction of silicon in to the graphite anode, or any of highperformance batteries with enhanced watt capacity and/or high amp hourratings, arranged in series, parallel, and/or connected in both seriesand parallel, together, including solid state batteries. In someaspects, each battery may be connected to breakers to enabling hotswapping of batteries as need arises.

In some cases, the described mobile scientific platform 100 can beconfigured to run for a minimum of 12 hours without shore (e.g., anyexternal) power, but may run for longer or shorter periods of timedepending on the number and type of batteries used, as well as theelectrical demands of analytic equipment in the mobile platform. A powersource that can run for 12 hours may permit the scientific equipment 112to run continuously between job-sites without the need to power down thescientific equipment, which sometimes takes in excess of 4 hours oninitial start-up, not including time to calibrate the equipment. In onespecific example, a battery bank of ten (10) six (6) volt batteriesarranged in series and in parallel may be used to provide 12-volt powerto the inverters. Each battery may be 400 amp/hours, providing up to 12or more hours of continuous power for most scientific instruments.

In some examples, AGM battery charge is maintained by one or more ofmultiple integrated systems. The charge may be augmented by one or moresolar panels 116 mounted on the top of the vehicle 102. The solarpanel(s) 116 may include a 480 or 680 Watt, four-panel array (with acharge controller 118) connected directly to the battery array 114.Additional portable solar panels (with charge controllers 118) can becarried in the vehicle and positioned outside to provide additionalcharge to the batteries 114. In one specific example, 6 monocrystallinesolar panels, totaling 680 watts (29.5 amp/hour), may be used withcharge controllers. Additional stand-alone solar panels can bedaisy-chained to the existing panels, which may be permanently installedon the roof and/or the side of the mobile scientific platform.Additionally or alternatively, a heavy duty alternator 118 may beinstalled in the vehicle 102 (with a charge controller) and connected tothe AGM batteries 114 for additional charge whenever the vehicle isrunning.

With reference to yet a further embodiment, a vertical wind turbine (notshown) may be mounted on the vehicle 102 to charge the batteries 114 tothe inverters 108, 110 when the mobile platform 100 is stationary. A RAMair turbine (RAT) (not shown), as is used in aircraft to provide back-uppower to mission critical flight systems when power is lost, mayadditionally or alternatively be mounted to the vehicle 102 for chargingthe batteries 114 when the platform is mobile.

With reference to FIG. 2, another implementation of a mobile scientificplatform, 200 is illustrated. Platform 200 may include a vehicle, suchas vehicle 102, and a trailer or component 202 external to vehicle 102.In some aspects, a portable sine wave inverter 204 (e.g., producing 4500Watts), which has been converted to run on gasoline/propane/CNG, mayalso be used to provide shore power whenever energy requirementsdictate. The portable inverter 204 can be conveyed inside the vehicle102, or contained in a towed trailer 202, which may also have a supplyof propane or CNG tanks 206, 208. The portable inverter 204 can run offpropane/CNG tanks 206, 208 permanently installed in the alt-fuel of themobile platform, either in a vehicle 102 or trailer 202 or othercompartment or container, such that the portable inverter 204 can runoff the tanks in the towed trailer/container. Pure sine wave electricitygenerated by the portable inverter 204 is transmitted to the shore powerports on the mobile platform.

In some aspects, whenever the voltage in the battery bank reaches 11.0VDC, a sensor from the mobile scientific platform may connect to theportable inverter (e.g., located 25 feet from the van), which may startits engine automatically. Once engaged, the portable inverter provides“shore power” to the mobile scientific platform. The run-time of theportable inverter can be manually or automatically adjusted andregulated (e.g., via timers, controllers, etc.). The portable invertercan be cargo-carried on the back of the mobile scientific platform or itcan be towed in a small trailer, which also has a fuel supply of DOTapproved propane tanks.

The described mobile scientific platform 100, 200 may provide anunlimited and versatile system of integrated power support. It permitsthe extended and unattended running of measuring equipment in thestationary mode for pure air sampling. In mobile operation, thepropulsion of the vehicle 102 using propane/CNG permits “clean” airsampling. Sampling is preferably performed by a sampling device, such asone or more sample collectors or Atomic/Molecular Vapor Collectors(AMVCs), discussed more fully below. Gasoline propulsion may be usedconvey the vehicle 102 to and from job sites when air sampling is not inoperation.

Referring back to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, attached to thetop of and/or inside of the vehicle 102 are an array of 12 volt devices122, 124, 126, all connected to a low voltage control panel 128. On thetop of the vehicle may be attached a GPS locator 122 and a weatherstation 124, which measures, temperature, wind speed, wind direction,humidity, pressure, dew point, and the like, and a wind turbine. Insidethe vehicle 102 may be various 12 volt devices or sensors (not shown).Depending on the VOCs or inorganics under investigation, the vehicle 102can be outfitted with radiological, ammonia, CO2, methane, and nitrogensensors, to name but a few. All or some of a variety of 12 voltauxiliary sensors, as well as data from the scientific instrumentationinside the van (such as mass spectrometers, gas or liquidchromatometers) may be integrated with a server or laptop for display,interpretation, and/or analysis. The data obtained from any of thesesensors can be stored for future use, used to trigger automated alertsystems, or transmitted through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi hot spots forreal-time analysis in remote laboratories or client centers. In someaspects, the data obtained from the one or more sensors may be uploadedand made accessible via one or more servers, such as via log-incredentials.

In another aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 3, power generation equipment,such as control panel 106, batteries 114, solar panel(s) 116, chargecontroller 118, propane or CNG tank(s) 206, 208, may be housed in atrailer, such as trailer 300. Trailer 300 may be towed behind andconnected to measuring equipment (e.g., housed in a vehicle, such asvehicle 102) via one or more portable inverter(s) 204.

In one aspect, a portable trailer 400, as illustrated in FIG. 4, couldbe outfitted with propane/CNG tanks 206, 208, an UL Industrial ControlPanel 106, a pure sine wave inverter or inverters 108, 110, solar panels116, optional sensors (weather station, GPS, CO2, etc.) 122, 124, 126, awind turbine (not shown), and an AGM battery array 114 in series and/orparallel, essentially duplicating platform 100, but without a primarypropulsion system (i.e., an engine). The scientific equipment used foranalysis in this embodiment could be housed inside buildings locatedclose by, but still powered from the portable trailer 400, or includedin the trailer 400 itself, or in a vehicle that tows or is locatedproximate to trailer 400. In some aspects, trailer 400 may have a largersurface area than vehicle 102, such that additional monocrystallinesolar panels or wind turbines may be temporarily or permanently placedon the trailer 400 to keep the batteries to the inverters at fullcharge. Upsizing of the trailer 400 may allow additional scientificinstrumentation to be installed and operated within trailer 400.

It should be appreciated that the above implementations of the describedmobile scientific platform are only given by way of example. Otherimplementations, such as adding or removing features from oneimplementation to another implementation, removing some features from animplementation, or changing the location of one or more features, suchas from the vehicle to the trailer and vice versa, are contemplatedherein. A number of other components or features, such as featuresnecessary for the operation/safe operation, of the vehicle and/ortrailer are contemplated herein, but for the sake of conciseness, arenot specifically described herein.

As discussed herein, features of the mobile scientific platform mayinclude, for example: an automotive, truck or truck-like vehicle;integrated power support; mobile scientific laboratory platform;alt-fuel options; extended range and unattended use; no pollutioncontamination in static mode; negligible contamination when in mobileoperation; and may provide real time results. In some aspects, themobile platform may also benefit from the use of an auxiliary heatexchanger (AHE) device or system for eliminating condensatecontamination of air samples, and/or one or more atomic/molecular vaporcollectors (AMVC) attached to the AHE, as described in greater detailbelow.

It should be appreciated that any type of mass spectrometer (or otherscientific, or spectrographic devices) can be used with mobilescientific platform depending on the VOCs, atomic elements, orinorganics under investigation. Mass spectrometers are known and aretherefore not discussed in detail herein. For example, a MALDI MS forlarge organic molecules might be used to detect cancers, Zika, etc.,whereas a PTRMS might be used for drug/pharmaceutical/veterinaryapplications. Another example includes DART instrumentation, which is anatmospheric pressure ion source that instantaneously ionizes gases,liquids and solids in open air under ambient conditions for uses in thefragrance industry, pharmaceutical industry, foods and spices, forensicscience and health.

One specific example of a unique application for the mobile scientificplatform includes the use of PTRMS technology. PTRMS, like the TOF 6000from Ionicon, can identify (real time) volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)with extreme precision, i.e., parts per quadrillion. The use of thisinstrumentation may prove useful in the detection of explosives, drugs,and human trafficking, as well as in the nascent field of breathresearch, among other examples. Installed in the described mobilescientific, PTRMS may be mobile, rather than confined to a brick andmortar analytic lab, or an academic research laboratory. Moreover, themass spectrometer has a continuous clean power supply, so there is noneed to power-cycle the instrument, which can take 4 hours, or more; theinstrument is always “on.” Additionally, in the zero emissions (eithermoving or stationary in different examples) mode, the described mobilescientific platform may not contribute any VOCs which might contaminateair samples. In mobile operation, the mobile scientific platform maycontribute negligible hydrocarbon emissions when running on propane orCNG, perfect for sampling VOCs over distances. For these reasons, theuse of PTRMS in the mobile scientific platform opens new vistas ofresearch, as it does for other equipment manufacturers and researchers.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various aspects of the operation of the mobilescientific platform.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for analyzing data collectedby one or more sensors of the mobile scientific platform. Process 500may be performed in whole, part, or in conjunction with any variationsof the mobile scientific platform described above. Process 500 is onlygiven by way of example, such that certain operations may be substitutedfor others, or not performed.

As illustrated, process 500 may begin at operation 502, where air or gasis sampled, for example, using an auxiliary heat exchange system and/oran atomic/molecular vapor collector, as descried in further detailbelow. The sampled air or gas may then be analyzed by sensors, one ormore mass spectrometers, or other scientific equipment such as a GasChromatography (GC), or Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), atoperations 504 and 506. Following operation 504, the sensor/massspectrometer results or data may be optionally sent to a data logger atoperation 508, and in turn sent to a local computing device at operation510 or sent offsite via at operation 512 any of a variety ofcommunication links (LTE, Wi-Fi, other WLAN technologies, and so on). Inthe case that the data is sent to a computing device, the data may thenbe sent off site (for example after a local record of the data is savedon the local computing device) at operation 512, and/or may be storedlocally at operation 514, and/or may be analyzed at operation 516 inreal-time or near real-time. If the data is analyzed at operation 516,then process 500 may proceed to operation 518, where algorithms may beused to identify specific VOCs, atomic elements, or inorganics underinvestigation, which may produces results that may be output atoperation 520, such as by being visually displayed on the localcomputing device (and typically stored in memory of the computingdevice). In some aspects, when other scientific equipment is used toanalyses the samples at operation 506, the results or data output by theequipment may be analyzed to identify VCOs, at operation 518. Theresults or output data from operations 518 and in some cases, 506, maythen be stored in a central location at operation 522, such as via acloud based service, private servers, etc., and accessed at operation524, for example, via secure log-in credentials, via techniques andsystem well known in the art.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 for verifying a power sourceused for the mobile scientific platform is operational.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for operation of a mobilescientific platform.

Auxiliary Heat Exchanger

Turning to FIGS. 8-15, an auxiliary heat exchanger (AHE), isillustrated. The described auxiliary heat exchanger has applications isthe general fields of environmental, energy, medical, pharmaceutical,forensic, drug enforcement, explosive detection, food, automotive,energy, scientific, and veterinary applications.

The described auxiliary heat exchanger may include a system foreliminating the contamination of condensates in air (or any gas orcombination thereof) sampling collection tubes and scientific measuringequipment. The described auxiliary heat exchange system uses heatexchange from pressurized closed liquid coolant systems in internalcombustion engines (e.g., gasoline, diesel, steam, natural gas,hydrogen, or propane) as well as any electrical engines in which wasteheat is generated. In some aspects, the described auxiliary heatexchanger may be passive, continuous, and the heating liquid or gas mayflow in the same or opposite direction as samples collected.

According to one embodiment, a secondary supplemental (auxiliary) closedpressurized heat exchange hose is employed to passively heat air insideof an inserted inlet tube, also called a tracer tube, or a sample line,used for air or gas sampling to eliminate loss of analyte due tocondensation. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the auxiliary heat exchanger mayutilize a cable, hose bundle, or supply line 800 that includes a sampletube 802 and one or more adjacent tubes 804, 806, for carrying liquidthat is warm or hot (or any temperature that is higher than thetemperature of the sampled gas, and can also stay at a temperature thatis higher than the sampled gas over the entire or substantially theentire duration of the supply line). Cable or supply line 800 may beconnected to any source of hot liquid, or even gas. One example includesconnecting the supply line 800 to a heating/cooling system of acombustion engine.

One specific implementation example of a supply line or bundled hose isdescribed below. It should be appreciated that the following is onlygiven by way of example, and that other implementations and designdetails are contemplated herein. In some aspects, the heavy steam tracedbundled hose 800 contains two process tubes 804, 806 and one tracer(sampling) tube 802. Air samples are conveyed in the tracer tube 802.Liquid coolant (or gaseous or other substance coolant) is recirculatedfrom the primary coolant system in the process tubes 804, 806. Theprocess tubes 804, 806 may be made of Teflon (PFA), while the airsampling tube 802 may be made of Ultra High Purity Teflon (PFA), orsimilar non-reactive materials like PEEK or PTFE. In some cases, theprocessing tubes 804, 806 may be in direct contact with the tracer tube802, thus facilitating maximum heat transfer to help maintain consistenthigher process temperatures. In some aspects, all three tubes may beincased in water soluble chloride (preferably less than 100 ppm) in anabsorption-resistant fibrous glass insulation that resists wicking. Theinsulation may be covered in a non-halogenated thermoplastic urethane,such as casing 808.

Commercial applications for the described auxiliary heat exchangerinclude, but are not limited to: environmental testing, radiologicalmonitoring, mobile laboratories (such as the described mobile scientificplatform), rapid medical screening for viral, bacterial, and prioninfections in plants, animals, and humans, heavy metal exposures,fragrance and food industries, human trafficking deterrence,physiological health determinations, metabolic disorders, cancerdetection, drug detection and efficacy studies, analytic lab procedures,and explosives identification. Further uses include research facilities,mobile laboratories, doctor's offices, hospitals, veterinary clinics,outpatient facilities, surgical centers, blood banks, clinicallaboratories, medical and veterinary schools, public health departments,morgues, as well as agencies such as, for example, FBI, ICE, DOJ, SWATTeams, Bomb Squads, CIA, NSA, WHO, EPA, NOAA, NASA, CDC, and NIH, FEMA,DoD, DHS, DEA, NTSB, Fire and Police Departments, and state/localenvironmental/public health agencies and DEA. AHE is well suited toapplications in which an uncontaminated source of uncondensed air wasrequired for testing, monitoring, diagnosis, analysis, or evaluation.

The described auxiliary heat exchange system may be used to collectatomic and molecular vapors from air, liquid, or solid samples withoutthe problems of and contamination from condensates in sample lines andscientific measurement equipment. Condensation typically occurs in airsampling lines whenever there is a drop in air temperature between thevapor source and the measurement at the instrument. Ambient air samplesshould be lower in temperature than the same measured sample inscientific equipment, like mass spectrometers. The air entering a massspectrometer would preferably be higher than the ambient air sampled.Any drop in temperature below ambient, before reaching the massspectrometer, for example, may result in loss of compounds of interestto the walls of the sampling system, or in the mass spectrometer, orsimilar measurement equipment, and may result in condensatecontamination in the sampling line or in the mass spectrometer, orsimilar measurement equipment. Also, higher relative humidities andhigher atmospheric pressures of air samples also contribute tocondensation in the sampling line and in scientific measuring equipment.Besides the problems of air samples turning in to a liquid, thecondensates are more easily absorbed as liquids onto and into thesampling line. These problems confound and contaminate true, reliable,and verifiable data collection measurements for researchers, and areaddressed by the described auxiliary heat exchanger.

Prior approaches to air sampling have been plagued with non-constanttemperatures or cold spots in the tracer tube, thus leading tocondensation. The longer the tube, the more chance for condensateformations. Condensation contaminates the interior of the tracer tube,which causes artificially elevated background signals in the scientificequipment. These condensates must then be “baked out” of the samplingsystem, causing measurement downtime. Moreover, when condensatestraveling in the tracer tube reach the scientific measuring equipment(like mass spectrometers) expensive decontamination, tracer tubereplacement, and long equipment down times can result. The describedauxiliary heat exchange system addresses one or more of these problems.

An example of a general closed pressurized system 900 of liquidcooling/heating for internal combustion engines is illustrated in FIG.9. An upper heater hose 902 carries hot coolant from engine block 904 toheater core 906. The coolant is slightly cooled as a result of operationof the heater core 906, for example in the cab of the vehicle, and alower heater hose 908 supplies cool coolant to engine block 904.

In some aspects, when used in a mobile platform, such as the mobilescientific platform described above, the auxiliary heater exchanger mayinclude a recirculating pressurized passive secondary closed heattransfer loop 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The secondary closed heattransfer loop 1000 may be attached to the primary cooling system 900,typically used in internal combustion engines, such as may be part ofthe mobile scientific platform. The secondary closed heat transfer loop1000 may be attached at the upper heater hose 902 and to the lowerheater hose 908, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Hotter liquid coolant fromthe engine block 904 enters the cabin's heater core 906 through theupper heater hose 902. After passing in to the heater core 906, theliquid coolant is recycled back to the engine 904 through the lowerheater hose 908 at a slightly lower temperature, especially when theheater is used in the passenger compartment. Attached to the auxiliaryloop 1000 is a heavy steam-traced bundled hose 1002-a, such as thebundled hose illustrated and described in reference to FIG. 8,(containing two process tubes and a tracer tube). Coolant isrecirculated in the process tubes, while the tracer tube, which is indirect contact with the process tubes, ensures constant or increasingtemperatures from the air sampling source to the scientific equipmentused, thus eliminating or greatly reducing condensation of the airsample.

According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, theauxiliary heater exchanger can be connected to any closed pressurizedrecycled system of air or liquid heating/cooling systems used forinternal combustion engines. The secondary (or auxiliary) closed heattransfer loop 1000, which may include the auxiliary heater exchanger,can be teed in to the hot portion of the radiator heater hose 902 using,for example, a T connector 1004 and/or two barbs (male) 1006, 1008,which may be threaded on at least one end to couple to the T connector1004. The upper heater hose may be ¾ inch OD (typically between 80 to100 degrees centigrade) under pressures of 4-30 PSI, as well as the Tconnector 1004 and barbs 1006, 1008 (the threads may be ⅜″). The Tconnector 1004 and/or barbs 1006, 1008 may be made of/interconnect withan insulated high temperature rubber or silicone hose, commonly found inautomotive radiator hoses. In some examples, the tee 1004 is steppeddown from a ¾ inch barbed fitting to a ⅜th inch barbed fitting andsecured by hose clamps at all connections. From the ⅜ths inch barbedfitting 1010, a ⅜ths hose 1002-a is attached, running from the enginecompartment 1012 to the cargo area 1014 (through driver compartment1013) of the vehicle where scientific equipment is located. The hose1002-a is also connected to a ⅜ths ball value shut-off 1016 for safety.Attached to the ball valve 1016 is a ⅜ths or ¼ inch compression fitting1018 to connect a small piece of high purity Teflon (PFA) tubing 1020.The PFA tubing 1020 is connected to a male quick-disconnect 1022, whichmay be color-coded and lock code protected, so a green malequick-disconnect cannot be attached to a yellow female quick-disconnect,for example. As similar arrangement or configuration on the return flow(e.g., including similar numbered components 1022-a (not shown), 1020-a,1018-a, 1016-a, 1002-b, 1010-a, 1008-a, 1006-a, 1004-a) may connect thecoolant line back to the lower heater hose 908. The return flow mayinclude different color and lock codes, to ensure the lines are keptseparate.

In some examples, a heavy steam-traced bundled hose is connected to theauxiliary loop 1000 in the cargo area, as illustrated in FIG. 11 in moredetail. The heavy steam-traced bundled hose 1102, which may be the sameas or incorporate one or more aspects of auxiliary loop 1000, maycontain, in some aspects three PFA tubes (for example, as illustratedand described in reference to FIG. 8 above) in direct contact with oneanother to facilitate maximum heat transfer. These tubes may besurrounded by insulation material. The insulation is shrouded by aurethane jacket. Two of the PFA tubes are process tubes 1104, 1106,which run the liquid coolant in opposite directions from and to theprimary coolant system. The third tube in the center is a tracer tube1108, also known as an air inlet sampling tube. The two process tubes1104, 1106 will heat the sampled air in the tracer tube 1108 at a highand constant temperature above ambient. As illustrated in FIG. 11, thetracer tube 1108 is connected in the cargo area 1014 with a color codedand lock controlled female quick-disconnect, attached directly to a massspectrometer 112, or similar scientific instrument, via a coupler 1112(e.g., ⅜ 10 ¼ inch) and a ¼″ or ⅜″ teflon tube 1114. One of the processtubes 1104 in the cargo area is connected to auxiliary heat transferhose through a color-coded and lock controlled female quick-disconnect.This process tube connects with the upper heater hose. The other processtube 1106 in the cargo area is connected to the auxiliary heat transferhose through a color-coded and lock controlled female quick-disconnect.This process tube 1108 connects with the lower heater hose. The liquidcoolant in the process tubes 1104, 1106 may run in opposite directionsto one another and can be continuously recycled through the primarycoolant system at constant temperature. This helps ensure a constanttemperature, or a minimum temperature, is provided adjacent to thetracer tube 1108.

In some aspects, as illustrated in FIG. 12, at the terminal end of thetracer tube 1108 of the auxiliary loop 1000, 1102, the tracer tube 1108is connected to a vapor collector or sampling device 1202, also calledthe Atomic/Molecular Vapor Collector (AMVC, described and discussedbelow). The two process tubes 1104, 1106 are connected to one anothervia t connector 1206 to permit the recirculation of liquid coolant backto the primary coolant system. A ⅜ths inch air relief valve 1204 isattached to a ⅜ths female tee 1206 to permit the purge of any air in theprocess tubes 1104, 1106. In some aspects, near the terminal end ofbundled hose 1102, process tubes 1104, 1106 may converge via 45 degreecompression elbows 1208, 1210 (e.g., ⅜″ on ¼″ compression 45 degreestreet elbow having ⅜ ″ male threads) and connect to each other via teeconnector 1206. In some aspects, a connector 1212 (e.g., a ⅜″ on ¼″compression union) may removably couple the collector 12002 or a tubeconnected to the collector 1202 to the tracer tube 1108.

In yet another example, multiple vapor collectors or sampling devices,such as 1202-a, 1202-b or more, may be attached to an end of the tracertuber, as illustrated in FIG. 13. In this example, one or more vaporcollectors 1202-a may be coupled to tracer tube 1108, which may beexposed outside of hose bundle 1102 a short distance, when, for example,the ambient air is warm or hot. In this situation, to ensure that thetransport temperature of the sample collected does not drop below theambient temperature of the sample, the tracer tube 1108 should not beexposed for an extended length or distance outside of the hose bundle1102/process tubes 1104, 1106. One or more vapor collectors 1202-b mayadditionally or alternatively be coupled to tracer tube 1108, which maybe exposed outside of hose bundle 1102 a longer distance, when, forexample, the ambient air is cooler or cold. In this example, it is notas critical to warm the tracer tube, as there is less likelihood thatthe sample will drop further in temperature before entering the hosebundle 1102.

The hotter the air sample is in the mass spectrometer, for example, overthe ambient air sampled, the sharper peaks and better definedidentification of organic and inorganic compounds thus results.Consequently, the inherent, significant, and long term problems ofcondensation contamination in air monitoring are eliminated with theAHE.

Applications of AHE are numerous. By reducing or substantiallyeliminating condensate contamination, AHE can be reliably used: tosample air quality in various extreme environments; to identify humanremains in shipping containers; to detect drugs and explosives; tomonitor organic (and inorganic) emissions in the auto, aerospace, coal,oil, and fracking industries; to monitor organic vapors emitted byhumans for medical, pharmaceutical, and veterinary applications indisease detection and drug efficacy studies; and to determine spoilageand infections in agricultural products, essentially anywhere preciseair or gas measurements are required and where condensate contaminationis undesirable.

The length of the bundled hose may vary according to implementation. Forexample, a 200-foot length of the above described heat exchange systemtubing may maintain constant temperatures of 155 degrees Fahrenheit inthe air sample line. Lengths greater than 200 feet may require anauxiliary pump to recirculate coolant in the process tubes. In theseinstances, this auxiliary fluid pump, powered by a 12-volt battery or110-volt power source, would be located close to the junction of theauxiliary and primary closed loop hoses in the engine compartment. Anycoolant can be used in the system, but propylene glycol is preferred,due to its environmentally safe and excellent heat transfer qualities.Similarly, the heavy heat-traced bundled hose is preferred for use inAHE. The process and/or tracer tubes used in the AHE preferably containthe properties of high purity PFA tubing, like Zeus Corporation whichclaims, “High Purity PFA (HP PFA) exceeds the stringent requirements ofthe SEMI F57 specification. The unique molecular structure of HP PFAreduces chemical extractables, protects against ionic contamination, andis nonreactive with virtually all chemicals. HP PFA also has a maximumworking temperature of 500° F. (260° C.), low gas permeability, and isflame resistant. In the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, HPPFA tubing is used for fluid handling applications requiring anextremely low level of chemical extractables. The product reducesmetallic contamination and is designed to provide longer service life inthe challenging semiconductor clean room environment. HP PFA is alsoused in applications that require a high continuous service temperature.Its qualities include excellent lubricity, clarity, flexibility,temperature and chemical resistance. This versatility has led to PFAbeing a popular material selection in the semiconductor, chemical,pharmaceutical and medical industries.” Any tubing with these qualitieswill work with heavy steam-traced hoses for the AHE, like, but notlimited to PFA, PEEK, or PTFE, etc. Also, due to different total lengthsused in AHE applications, it may be advisable under certain pressures toutilize a high temperature backflow preventer in the lower heater hose,thus ensuring unimpeded flow and recirculation of the coolant throughoutthe primary and auxiliary systems. Finally, connections to the primarycooling system can occur at any point, such as the upper and lowerradiator hoses, for example.

The AHE is well suited for air monitoring and sampling collection usingmobile platforms, such as the mobile scientific platform, as describedabove, and permits analytic laboratories to become mobile and fielddeployed.

Other, inferior products may attempt to use electric heat tape, or heatstrips, or heat-traced bundled hoses to eliminate condensationcontamination. However, this approach does not work well for longlengths of the sampling tube. Additionally, the energy requirements toheat long lengths of hose are daunting −30 to 50 amps at 120 volts. Inaddition, it does not take in to consideration extreme temperaturedifferences in ambient and measured air samples. Finally, the electricwires used for heat transfer are prone to breakage.

Another example of an auxiliary heat exchange system 1500 is illustratedin FIG. 15. Auxiliary heat exchange system 1500 may be coupled to arecycling cooling/heating system 1400, as part of a combustion engine,as illustrated in FIG. 14. System 1400 may include one or more aspectsof heating/cooling system 900 described above. In accordance with oneembodiment, a suitable heat exchanger may be in the form of atube-in-a-hose, or TIAH. TIAH is a device or system for eliminating thecontamination of condensates in air sampling collection tubes andscientific measuring equipment by using heat exchange from closedcoolant systems in internal combustion engines (gasoline, diesel, steam,natural gas, hydrogen, or propane) as well as any electrical engines inwhich waste heat is generated. A secondary supplemental closed heatexchange hose is employed to passively heat air inside of an insertedinlet tube used for air sampling to eliminate condensate contamination.System 1500 may include one or more aspects of the auxiliary heatexchange system described above in reference to FIGS. 8-12, and as aresult, those features will not be again discussed here.

The heat exchange system 1500 may include a secondary closed heattransfer loop is attached to the primary cooling system 1400 at theupper radiator hose 1402 and may terminate in the coolant expansion tank1404 associated with the engine in the mobile platform vehicle. Inside asection of the secondary circulating system 1500 is an inlet samplingtube at constant or increasing temperature from the terminal end of theinlet sampling tube (which may be connected to a sample collector 1202)to the scientific equipment used (e.g., 112), thus eliminatingcondensation of the air sample.

TIAH may be connected to any open or closed system of air or liquidheating/cooling. The secondary closed heat transfer loop can be teed into the hottest part of the primary cooling system (typically between 80to 100 degrees centigrade) using insulated high temperature hose,commonly found in automotive radiator hoses. Hose clamps would be usedto secure the primary and secondary hose connections to prevent leakageof the coolant at the teed junction. In this particular example a ⅜th or½ inch diameter radiator hose can be used for the secondary closed heattransfer loop. The inserted air inlet collection tube can be made ofUltra High Purity Teflon (or PTFE or PEEK), or any similar tubing insizes ranging from ¼ to ⅜th inch diameter. The air inlet collection tubeneeds to be smaller than the secondary closed loop heat transfer hose.Upstream from the junction of the primary and secondary closed heattransfer hoses, the secondary hose is cut and a brass or similar metalbarbed tee fitting is inserted and secured with hose clamps to preventcoolant leakage. The tee-fitting also has a compression fitting toattach the inlet air sampling tube, also to prevent leakage. The inletair sampling tube is inserted in a section of the secondary closed heattransfer hose to any desired length and attached and secured aspreviously described.

As similarly discussed with reference to auxiliary heat exchanger 1000above, for very long lengths of air inlet tubing, an auxiliary fluidpump may be required on the secondary closed heat transfer hose. Inthese instances, an auxiliary fluid pump, powered by a 12-volt batteryor 110-volt power source, would be located close to the junction of thesecondary and primary closed loop hoses. The hotter portion of theclosed secondary heat transfer loop would be the preferred junction forthe air inlet sampling tube, attached directly to a mass spectrometer,or other scientific instrumentation. Although propylene glycol would bethe preferred medium used in the heat transfer process, ethylene glycol,water, or a combination thereof can be used, as well as only air.Ambient air sampled by an atomic/molecular vapor collector (AMVC) at theterminal end of the air inlet sampling tube will always be equal to, orslightly cooler than, the sample in the air inlet sampling tube, whichis connected to the scientific equipment. Because the terminal end ofthe air inlet sampling tube will run opposite the flow of theheating/coolant direction in the secondary closed heating transfer tube,there will not be a drop of temperature in the air sample running to thescientific equipment. In fact, it may be slightly hotter. The hotter theambient air sample is above the temperature going in to the massspectrometer, for example, the sharper peaks and better definedidentification of organic and inorganic chemicals thus results.Consequently, the inherent, significant, and long term problems ofcondensation contamination in air monitoring are eliminated or at leastsubstantially reduced to the point of being inconsequential.

Applications for TIAH are numerous—wherever the elimination ofcondensate contamination is desired for air or gas sampling. Forexample, TIAH may be reliably used: to sample air quality in variousextreme environments; to identify human remains in shipping containers;to detect drugs and explosives; to monitor organic emissions in theauto, aerospace, coal, oil, and fracking industries; to monitor organicvapors emitted by humans for medical, pharmaceutical, and veterinaryapplications in disease detection and drug efficacy studies; and todetermine spoilage and infections in agricultural products.

Sample Vapor Collector

As illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, a sample collector or an atomic/molecularvapor collector (AMVC) is now discussed. In accordance with anembodiment, the described AMVC has applications for medical,pharmaceutical, environmental, energy, aerospace, drug enforcement,automotive, explosive detection, geological, mining/mineral/gas/oilexploration, toxic waste site, forensic, agricultural, scientific,research, and veterinary applications.

In some aspects, the described AMVC may be used for capturing atomicparticles, molecular vapors of VOCs, (volatile organic chemicals),and/or inorganic chemicals, in air, liquids, and solids.

Commercial applications for AMVC include, but are not limited to:environmental testing, mobile laboratories (such as SciArk or SciLab,for example), rapid medical screening for viral, bacterial, viroid, andprion infections in plants, animals, and humans, heavy metal exposuresin humans, human trafficking deterrence, physiological healthdeterminations, metabolic disorders, cancer detection, drug detectionand efficacy studies, analytic lab procedures, soil contamination,geological surveys, atmospheric testing, soil measurements,environmental air sampling, air quality measuring, and explosivesidentification. Some of its potential uses include research facilities,mobile laboratories (SciArk or SciLab), doctor's offices, hospitals,food and fragrance industries, veterinary clinics, outpatientfacilities, surgical centers, blood banks, clinical laboratories,medical and veterinary schools, public health departments, morgues, aswell as for agencies, such as, for example, WHO, EPA, FBI, DOJ, ICE,CIA, NSA, NTSB, NTSB, NOAA, NASA, CDC, and NIH, FEMA, DoD, DHS, DEA,Fire and Police Departments, and state/local environmental/public healthagencies—wherever and whenever an uncontaminated source of uncondensedair (using, for example AHE as described above) is required for testing,monitoring, diagnosis, analysis, or evaluation of atomic particles andvolatile organic (or inorganic) chemicals in air, liquids, or solids.

Prior approaches to (non-medical) air sampling have been plagued bysample contamination, condensation of organic, inorganic, and atomicelements in the sample lines or in the mass spectrometer, or otherscientific instrumentation used, and the incorrect use of various massspectrometers to analyze the air samples. A sample line with no AMVC (orAHE) is universally used.

As previously mentioned, the applications of AMVC are numerous,including various applications in which it is desirable to sample atomicand molecular vapors with an uncontaminated source of uncondensed airfor testing, monitoring, diagnosing, analyzing, or evaluating thequality of air in any sampled source.

The described AMVC captures atomic elements and volatile organic orinorganic chemicals in air, liquids, or solids. In medical, veterinary,and pharmaceutical applications, AMVC captures molecular and atomiccompounds emanating from different body cavities (stomach, lungs,rectal, nasal, vaginal, bladder, liver, etc.) in humans and animals forqualification and quantification in various mass spectrometers and otheranalytic devices. As such, it can be used as an adjunct to, or areplacement for, other conventional tests (i.e., blood, tissue samples,surgeries, biopsies, etc.) that take time to analyze, are expensive, andhave invasive consequences, like iatrogenic and nosocomial infections.With AMVC, real time, immediate results are obtained when connected toappropriate mass spectrometers or other analytic devices.

In the energy, geological, aerospace, and environmental arenas, thedescribed AMVC may be used to collect volatile organic or inorganicchemicals and atomic elements to detect soil, air, and solidcontaminations, such as lead in city water supplies.

In the drug detection area, AMVC (when connected to appropriate massspectrometers or other scientific instruments) may be used to determinethe presence of illicit substances in shipping containers orsemi-trucks.

In explosive detection, the air sampled by AMVC (when connected toappropriate mass spectrometers or other scientific instruments) may beanalyzed to detect the presence of various explosive compounds atairports, bus/train/shipping terminals, stadium events, and other massgatherings.

In the agricultural industry, the described AMVC (when connected toappropriate mass spectrometers or other scientific instruments) may beused to detect the presence of spoilage and pathogens to the food supplyin warehouses, shipping containers, store shelves, and the like.

Additional applications of AMVC include breath analysis for thedetection of metabolic disorders, diseases, and cancers in humans. Inthese applications, patients may exhale into a collection tube (such asAMVC) and the collected vapors may then be analyzed in appropriate massspectrometers or other scientific instruments. This may initiallyobviate the need in some instances for more invasive medical procedures.As such, it can be used for immediate medical screening for infectiousdiseases, metabolic disorders, physiological health, heavy metalcontamination, and cancers, to name a few. Also, the AMVC can replacethe need for more invasive procedures, like colonoscopies,bronchoscopies, endoscopies, catheterizations, etc.

Prior approaches in breath analysis research in the medical, veterinary,pharmaceutical industries have relied exclusively on exhaled vapors fromlungs in humans and animals. That approach involves the assumption thatatomic and molecular elements under investigation found in the patient'sblood will be extracted from a liquid medium to a vapor state throughgas exchange in the alveoli of the lungs and collected for analysis onexhalation without contamination for evaluation and validation usingappropriate analytic instruments. Most metabolic processes occur inorgans below the lungs (liver, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, etc.), whicheventually empty in to the intestines and bladder. As such, samplingvapors from these locations are more predictive of various infections,metabolic disorders, and heavy metal contaminations. Moreover, allatomic and molecular materials have different volatilities. Volatilityis the property of a substance to vaporize from a liquid to a gaseousstate. Volatility is also influenced by temperature, pressure, size ofthe element under investigation, and chemical/nuclear bonds with otherorganic and inorganic compounds. Sublimation, on the other hand, is whena solid transitions directly to a gaseous phase without being convertedto a liquid as an intermediate step. Both volatility and sublimation ofatomic and molecular elements vary significantly from species tospecies, the body cavities from which the vapors are sampled, and theparticular elements under investigation. Here and in other industries,prior efforts did not stop detritus and liquids from entering thecollection line and eventually in to the scientific instrumentation usedfor air analysis. The described AMVC addresses these one or more ofthese problems.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate various perspective views 1600-a, 1600-b, and1600-c of an AMVC device 1600, as described herein. According to oneembodiment, AMVC is in the form of a rigid or flexible, disposable,sterile, and/or reusable device can be made of varying lengths andthicknesses and is preferably composed of Ultra High Purity Teflon(PFA), PEEK, PTFE, or passivated stainless steel. Other materials can beused (like, latex, nitrile, rubber, graphene, glass, metal, or otherpoly carbonate materials), for example, when the VOCs or inorganicsemitted by these materials do not interfere, contaminate, or compromisethe measurements in the mass spectrometer, or other analyticinstrumentation. The device may be designed and constructed to have nomoving parts and may be inexpensive to mass-produce as a sterile device.The described AMVC device enables clinicians and researchers to captureatomic and molecular vapors from various locations that have previouslybeen untested. AMVC obviates the need in some instances for moreinvasive initial medical procedures. As such, it can be used for mobileand real-time medical screening for infectious diseases, metabolicdisorders, physiological health, heavy metal contamination, and cancers,to name a few. Also, the device can replace the need for more invasiveprocedures, like colonoscopies, bronchoscopies, endoscopies,catheterizations, etc., the described AMVC can also be attached to anysampling line which is connected to an appropriate mass spectrometer orother scientific instruments for environmental, agricultural, explosivedetections, drug identification, geological, atmospheric, etc. airsampling uses. The rigid version of the AMVC can be mounted to rail,aircraft, ships, and other mobile platforms, such as the mobilescientific platform described above, and/or used in conjunction with theAHE and TIAH, also previously described.

According to one embodiment, AMVC comprises four parts, all fabricatedinto one piece or device, which may be inserted in to various bodycavities (colon, vagina, stomach, bladder, lungs, liver, nose, mouth,ears, etc.) for vapor sampling. An outer vapor collector 1602 may be ahollow tube with perforations of various sizes toward the bottom or afirst end of the collector. Its purpose is to collect organic orinorganic vapors while screening out detritus like urine, feces, blood,and other body fluids and secretions, or other objects or particlesfound in air or gas samples (e.g., dust, leaves, rain, and so on). Aninner vapor collector 1604 captures the same air without the associateddetritus. It has perforations of various sizes at the top or endopposite the first end of the outer collector 1602, so no detritusenters the hollow tube. The top of inner vapor collector 1604 ispreferably molded or affixed (e.g., rigidly attached) to the top of theouter vapor collector for stability. In some examples, all or most ofthe perforations on the inner vapor collector 1604 may be located abovethe perforations on the outer vapor collector 1602 (e.g., no overlappingwhen the collector 1600 is placed in a vertical orientation). A saddle1606, which may be formed or attached to a second end of the outercollector 1602 (opposite the first end), may prevent the AMVC from beinginserted beyond the desired length. A hollow collection tube connector1608 allows a vacuum collection tube to be attached to a massspectrometer or other analytic device to quantify and qualify theatomic, volatile organic vapors, and/or inorganic compounds collected.In some aspects, the collection tube connector 1608 may be attached tothe base of the inner vapor collector 1604, and may have a dimeter thatenables attachment to a vacuum line. This vacuum line is typically theair sampling line which leads to an appropriate mass spectrometer, likethe PTRMS, GC-MS, or MALDI-MS, or other analytic devices to quantify andqualify the vapors collected.

Various dimensions, 1610-1642, are illustrated in FIG. 18. It should beappreciated that the values of these dimensions, as will be describedbelow, are only given as an example. One or more of the dimensions maybe changed, and still be considered within the scope of this disclosure.For example, length 1610 and saddle width 1620 may be modified accordingto an intended use of the collector 1600. In other examples, the numberof, sizing, and relative position (in the vertical direction as shown)of perforations of the inner tube and outer tube may be selectedaccording to an intended use of the collector, such as bigger and moreholes may be used in the outer collector to filter out larger objects ordetritus, whereas smaller holes may be selected for smaller detritus,etc. In some aspects the difference 1614 between the position of theperforations of the inner and outer tubes may be selected based on adesired air flow or number of samples to be taken in a given timeperiod. In other cases, the perforations may be positioned to overlap.The width 1632 of the outer tube 1602 may be selected based on the sizeof aperture or average size of an aperture that the device is to beinserted for collecting gas samples. These design criteria are onlygiven by way of example; it should be appreciated that other designmodifications, based on any number of factors, are contemplated herein.

As illustrated, the following dimensions may have the following values,as detailed in the following table:

1610 6½″ 1612 1⅞″ 1614 29/32″ 1616 2″ 1618 1½″ 1620 5″ 1622 ⅛″ 1624 ¼″1626 1/16″ 1628 R .3″ 1630 R 7/32″ 1632 ¾″ 1634 9/32″ 1636 1/16″ 1638 R13/32″ 1640 1/32″ 1642 3/32″It should be appreciated that these values may increase or decrease by asmall or larger percentage, be measured in other units, and so on.

The described AMVC may be cleared of detritus after insertion in thebody cavity through positive air flow in the collection tube connector1608. Additionally, radioactive isotopes, luminescents, dyes, stains,enzymes, and other effluents can be introduced in to the selected bodycavities through the collection tube connector 1608 to enhance theidentification and analysis of atomic and molecular vapors underinvestigation through the use of mass spectrometers and other analytictechnics as discussed herein.

According to an alternative embodiment, the described AMVC can be usedor manufactured without a saddle, such as if the lengths are identifiedand calibrated on the outer vapor collector. Consequently, AMVC can beadjusted for various sizes of human and animal subjects (i.e., adultsversus children and giraffes versus gerbals), as well as modified forother enclosed environments. Additionally, the device can be used inconjunction with or incorporated in to other medical devices, likeendotracheal and nasogastric tubes, catheters, etc. When used in concertwith these devices, the AMVC can be inserted inside. as a furtheralternative embodiment, the saddle can be modified in to a handle. Thecollection tube adapter can be replaced with a male threaded fitting, orthe beveled end of the inner vapor collector can be bored to a femalethread. for liquid sampling, the above description (in which allperforations on the inner vapor collector must always be located abovethe perforations on the outer vapor collector) hold true, except thatthe perforations in the outer and inner vapor collector would need to bereversed when the AMVC is inverted in to a liquid.

Various additional features and implementations of the described vaporcollector are described below.

In one aspect, a system or device for the collection of atomic elementsand molecular compounds may include four primary parts or components,for example, all fabricated or formed in to one device, for vaporsampling. The sampling device may include an outer vapor collector,which may be a hollow tube with perforations of various sizes toward thebottom whose purpose is to collect atomic and molecular vapors whilescreening out detritus like urine, feces, blood, body fluids,secretions, as well as other environmental contaminants. The samplingdevice may additionally include an inner vapor collector, which capturesthe same air without the associated detritus with perforations ofvarious sizes at the top only, so no detritus enters the hollow tube,where the top of the inner vapor collector is molded or affixed to thetop of the outer vapor collector for stability. In some cases, all ormost of the perforations on the inner vapor collector must always belocated above the perforations on the outer vapor collector. In yet somecases, a saddle may prevents the device from being inserted beyond thedesired length, and may be attached to one of the outer vapor collector.In some aspects, a hollow collection tube connector allows a vacuumcollection tube to be attached to an appropriate mass spectrometer orother analytic device to quantify and qualify the vapors collected.

In one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be part of asystem for the sampling of air in various body cavities (colon, vagina,stomach, bladder, lungs, liver, nose, mouth, ears, etc.) of animals andhumans, as well as other enclosed environments, for analysis byappropriate (static, mobile, portable, or hand held) mass spectrometersand other analytic devices, as described above. The described sample orvapor collector may be used in a system for the detection of heavymetals and other trace elements in the (Atomic) Periodic Table fromvarious body cavities (colon, vagina, stomach, liver, bladder, lungs,nose, mouth, ears, etc.) of animals and humans. The described sample orvapor collector may also be used for detecting materials in otherenclosed environments, including, but not limited to the detection ofenvironmental exposures to atomic elements like lead, mercury, copper,arsenic, etc., where: a rapid, reliable, and immediate detection ofelements can be qualified and quantified for appropriate medical,veterinary, agricultural, and environmental interventions, and/or wherea source point location can be identified for epidemiological and publichealth investigations, like the recent Flint water crisis with leadpoisoning. It should also be appreciated that a fixed measurementplatform could also be implemented with the described sample or vaporcollector and/or the auxiliary heat exchange system, and be within thescope of the present disclosure.

In one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be part of asystem for the detection of organic molecular compounds and molecularfragments from various body cavities (colon, vagina, stomach, bladder,lungs, nose, liver, mouth, ears, etc.) of animals and humans, as well asother enclosed environments, for analysis by appropriate analyticdevices, including, but not limited to the detection of bacteria,viruses, prions, viroids, virions, fungi, molds, yeasts, DNA and RNAstrands, explosives, and drugs. These systems, using the describedsample or vapor collector, may enable the rapid, reliable, and immediatedetection of infectious viral diseases like, but not limited to Zika,Ebola, West Nile, malaria, Hanta, norovirus, dengue and yellow fever,syphilis, virions, and cancers. These systems, using the describedsample or vapor collector, may further enable the rapid, reliable, andimmediate detection of infections bacterial diseases like, but notlimited to streptococcus, staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, meningitis,gonorrhea, chlamydia, Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic, and parasitic infections,etc. It should also be appreciated that a fixed measurement platformcould also be implemented with the described sample or vapor collectorand/or the auxiliary heat exchange system, and be within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the described sample orvapor collector may be used in a system to detect explosives, such asTATP, DAPT, TNT, SEMTEX, etc. at airports (pre-terminal or terminal),train, bus, ship, stadium events, and where ever large mass gatheringsoccur. As illustrated, some or all causeways (pre-terminal and terminallocations) may have AMVC devices installed in the walls, floors, and/orceilings. In some aspects, the mobile scientific platform, either inmobile form (e.g., integrated into a vehicle), or as a transportableunit (e.g., in a container or trailer), may be used to analyze datacollected by the one or more sample or vapor collectors. In yet someaspects, the auxiliary heat exchange system may also be utilized to helpprovide contaminate free samples to the mobile scientific platform. Itshould also be appreciated that a fixed measurement platform could alsobe implemented with the described sample or vapor collector and/or theauxiliary heat exchange system, and be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The described sample or vapor collector may be used in a system todetect a variety of drugs, such as heroin, ecstasy, fentanyl, codeine,methamphetamine, cocaine, and other precursors used in the manufactureof illicit substances and in prescription drugs, as well as theabsorption, distribution, retention, metabolism, excretion, and efficacyof new and existing drugs in pharmacokinetic trials. The selectivity ofvarious compounds, when collected by the described sample or vaporcollector, and analyzed by a mass spectrometer, for example, isillustrated in FIG. 20. FIGS. 21-25 illustrate detection results ofvarious illicit, prescribed, and recreational drugs, which may beobtained using the described vapor collector, auxiliary heat exchangesystem, and/or the mobile scientific platform, as described herein.

In yet one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be partof a system for measuring or otherwise helping to determine the time,rate, and severity of viral, bacterial, parasitic infections, ordrug/explosive exposures through vapor sampling of various body cavities(colon, vagina, stomach, bladder, lungs, nose, mouth, ears, etc.) inanimals and humans, as well as other enclosed environments. Samples maybe collected using the described sample or vapor collector, and theratio of infectious agents or environmental exposures to the hostresponse in antibody production in the sample(s) may be determined. Insome aspects, the operation of this type of system may include aqualification and quantification of the infectious agents orenvironmental exposures from vapor samples collected from various bodycavities, as well as other enclosed environments. The operation of thistype of system may further include a qualification and quantification ofthe host antibodies from vapor samples collected in various bodycavities as a response to the infectious agents or environmentalexposures. The operation of this type of system further includeestablishing a ratio of the infectious agents or environmentalcontaminants to the host antibodies produced, to then determine thetype, time, rate, and severity of the infectious agents or environmentalexposures for clinically appropriate medical, veterinary, oragricultural treatments, including drug, surgical, and other therapeuticinterventions.

In yet one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be partof a system for the detection of volatile organic or inorganic compoundsand molecular fragments from various body cavities (colon, vagina,stomach, bladder, liver, lungs, nose, mouth, ears, etc.) of animals andhumans, as well as other enclosed environments, including, but notlimited to aerobic and anaerobic bacteria emitted by cadavers over time,when compared to the different volatile organic or inorganic chemicalsemitted by living humans and animals. In some aspects, the operation ofthis type of system may include a qualification and quantification ofvolatile organic or inorganic chemicals emitted at various times duringthe decay of human and animal cadavers. The operation of this type ofsystem may further include a qualification and quantification ofvolatile organic chemicals emitted at various times by living humans andanimals. A comparison of the volatile organic chemicals emitted by theliving and dead (animals and humans) may then be performed for forensicinvestigations in to time of death and in the identification andlocation of humans and animals involved in illegal traffickingoperations, for example.

In yet one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be partof a system for the detection of viruses, bacteria, molds, yeasts, andother pathogens in agricultural products. This may include a method tocertify, in conjunction with the FDA and/or USDA, agricultural productsin warehouses and shipping containers to be free of spoilage andorganic, inorganic, or atomic contamination before shipping to ports ofdestination, using one or more aspects of the described vapor collector,auxiliary heat exchange system, and/or the mobile scientific platform.This may alternatively include a method to certify, in conjunction withthe FDA and/or USDA the same shipment upon receipt of agriculturalproducts at ports of entry using one or more aspects of the describedvapor collector, auxiliary heat exchange system, and/or the mobilescientific platform.

In yet one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be partof a system for the qualification and quantification of environmentalair quality, which may permit the certification of indoor environmentalquality (IEQ) in homes, business, and industry in concert with theLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), for example, aswell as the US Green Business Certification Inc. (USGBCI) certificationprocesses for volatile organic chemicals standards.

In yet one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be partof a system for the identification of soil contamination at superfundsites, which may include the measurement of atomic elements, inorganics,and volatile organic chemicals at ground level, and/or the measurementof atomic and volatile organic or inorganic chemicals at various depthsof bore drillings.

In yet one aspect, the described sample or vapor collector may be partof a system for the identification of and location of fossil fuels andrelated minerals, as well as fracking byproducts in the energy sector,which may include the measurement of atomic and volatile organic orinorganic chemicals at various depths of bore hole drillings in land orwater environments.

While various examples, aspects, features, and implementations of amobile scientific platform, auxiliary heat exchange system, and a sampleor vapor collector, and various combinations thereof, have beenillustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the specificexamples described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An auxiliary heat exchange system for use in gassampling, the system comprising: at least one first conduit housed in anexternal casing, wherein the at least one first conduit is removablyattachable to a heat/cooling system of a vehicle; a tracer conduit fortransporting gas samples, wherein the tracer conduit is positionedproximate to the first conduit and housed in the external casing for atleast a partial length of the at least one first conduit, wherein thetracer conduit comprises a first end removably attachable to a gascollection device and a second end removably attachable to a measuringdevice; and wherein the first conduit is configured to carry heatedliquid from the heating/cooling system of the vehicle to maintain atleast a threshold temperature of the gas samples in the tracer conduitto prevent or reduce the formation of condensates in the tracer conduit.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first conduitcomprises a first conduit and a second conduit each positioned parallelto the tracer conduit in the external casing.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in direct contactwith the tracer conduit.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at leastone first conduit is made of PFA, PEEK, or PTFE.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein the tracer tube is made of PFA, PEEK, or PTFE
 6. The systemof claim 3, wherein the first conduit, the second conduit, and thetracer conduit are incased in water soluble chloride inabsorption-resistant fibrous glass insulation.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the external casing comprises a non-halogenated thermoplasticurethane and covers the absorption-resistant fibrous glass insulation.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first conduit formsan axillary loop with a heating circuit of the heating/cooling system ofthe vehicle.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one firstconduit is removably attachable to an inlet heating hose providingliquid to a heater core of the vehicle and an outlet heating hoseproviding liquid back to the heating/cooling system of the vehicle. 10.The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one first conduit isremovably attachable to radiator hose of the heating/cooling system andto a coolant expansion tank of the heating/cooling system of thevehicle.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one firstconduit is removably attachable to an inlet heating hose providingliquid to a heater core of the vehicle and an outlet heating hoseproviding liquid back to the heating/cooling system of the vehicle. 12.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first conduit isremovably attachable to radiator hose of the heating/cooling system andto a coolant expansion tank of the heating/cooling system of thevehicle.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the gas collection devicefurther comprises a two layered filtering device, wherein the two layerseach have perforations, and wherein the perforations do not overlap. 14.The system of claim 13, wherein the two layers each form a tube that isclosed at a common end.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the thresholdtemperature is set to greater than an ambient temperature of the gassamples.
 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary pumpcoupled to the at least one first conduit, wherein the pump isconfigured to move liquid through an extended length of the at least onefirst conduit.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprisesa mobile scientific platform.
 18. An auxiliary heat exchange system foruse in gas sampling, the system comprising: a first conduit and a secondconduit both housed in an external casing, wherein each of the firstconduit and the second conduit first conduit are removably attachable toa heat/cooling system of a vehicle; a tracer conduit, having a firstlength, for transporting gas samples, wherein the tracer conduit ispositioned proximate to the first conduit and the second conduit andhoused in the external casing for at least a partial length of the firstconduit and the second conduit, wherein the tracer conduit comprises afirst end removably attached to a gas collection device and a second endremovably attachable to a measuring device; and wherein the firstconduit and the second conduit are configured to carry heated liquidfrom the heating/cooling system of the vehicle to maintain at least athreshold temperature of the gas samples in at least a majority of thelength of the tracer conduit to reduce the formation of condensates inthe tracer conduit.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the firstconduit and the second conduit are in direct contact with the tracerconduit.
 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the one first conduit andthe second conduit form an axillary loop with a heating circuit of theheating/cooling system of the vehicle.